Consistent brushing with a toothbrush helps to prevent build-up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. Fluoride-containing or anti-plaque tartar control toothpastes may mitigate production of plaque and calculus.

The average dental cleaning takes between 45 minutes to an hour. If consistent cleaning is part of a quarterly check-up, the Tualatin dentist may also wish to take X-rays at this time to make certain no cavities are present. The dentist will normally take a last look, and perhaps perform some difficult plaque removal toward the end of the cleaning, as well as evaluate the gums for gum disease.

Most people usually won’t require anesthetics for a dental cleaning. Some patients are made so nervous by dentists however that they may ask for and receive nitrous oxide.

The hygienist will generally employ several tools during a dental cleaning. Other factors that may determine pain is length of time since one’s last cleaning and extent of plaque build-up.

A dental cleaning often concludes with advice about home care of teeth, and scheduling of appointments needed to take care of filling cavities. If one has a busy dentist, it may be wise to schedule the next cleaning well in advance, so one can keep regular six-month cleaning appointments.

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